One of the most controversial issues currently facing
Canadians concerns the legal status of consensual adult prostitution.
From a neo-conservative perspective, both the buying and selling
of sexual services would be criminalized. This is the law in the United States,
with the exception of parts of Nevada. However, from a feminist perspective, pro-sex
feminists declare that sex-work can be a positive experience for women who have
employed themselves to make an informed decision to involve in prostitution.
The legalization of prostitution involves the regulation and
licensing of consensual adult prostitution in brothels or other venues. For example,
in Nevada prostitution is a criminal offence apart from in 10 rural counties
where brothel prostitution is permitted and controlled. The acceptance and
decriminalization of prostitution would remove all references to adult
prostitution from the Criminal Code. It would be structured as other common businesses
are, and how other civil laws are, rather than creating a specific system of
prostitution regulation and licensing.
Some Canadians take a stance arguing against it for the
reasons that it further objectifies women, associates them with crime and
corruption, results in trafficking, disease and rape and slavery. While Canadians
who are pro-legalization state that it is a woman’s right to choose what she
does, it further oppresses women, it presents inequality since the women are
more often punished than the Johns, it will reduce the prevalence of rape and the
trafficking of women, and they believe that force and mistreatment can only be
stopped if the legal and social rights of prostitutes are guaranteed.
- Alexandra
References:
Top 10 Pros and Cons - Prostitution - ProCon.org. (n.d.).
Prostitution ProCon.org -- Should prostitution be legal?. Retrieved November
15, 2012, from http://prostitution.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000115
O’Doherty, T. (n.d.). EBSCO Publishing Service.
Criminalization and Off-Street Sex Work in Canada. Retrieved November 15, 2012,
from
http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=a163dba0-1f2d-4d3d-9d3e-01e32b35e757%40sessionmgr15&vid=4&hid=104
This blog brings up an interesting topic. I understand that as Canadians we have rights to freedom of expression and freedom of choice however, I feel as though some individuals seeking out these girls are unhealthy and furthers the women's unhealthiness. Despite the aspect of free choice, I truly do not believe that any woman wants to objectify herself in this manner.
ReplyDeleteI was actaully watching the news recently and in Sudbury (my hometown), there are a few streets recognized for prostitution one being Kathleen St. The news was profiling how a new billboard was put up in that area saying "Real Guys Don't Buy Girls" by a womens activist group standing up for the rights of women.
Again, anything in life is one individual person's choice and I respect that but I do feel as though everyone is entitled to equal opportunity.
Thanks
Kristin*
I am glad that this topic was brought up although it is a very touchy topic. In my opinion, women have fought for many years to gain their equality and social standings in the world to be equal to men. I believe that it is very hypercritical of women in general to have complained about women's rights and equality and then believe in selling themselves for money. I am not saying that this is the case for every women, I am just saying how the rights for women was such a fight and still is today but there is prostitution being taken place. In that sense I am against it but I am for pro choice as well and I do believe it is a persons personal choice in what they want to do with their lives. Just the hypocrisy in prostitution and women's rights mind boggles me. But I guess women have the right to be a prostitute if that is what they want to do. But furthermore, many women's rights would be against selling themselves because it would show a sense of inequality. As I said, this is a very touchy topic and can be viewed in so many different ways as right or wrong. Very good blog choice!
ReplyDeleteAlysha - Physical Disabilities Group
I understand that within Canada there is a human rights legislation. Women have fought long and hard to be considered an equal populace within society, but yet women under prostitution continue to let men overpower them by allowing men to use their bodies for manly pleasures. i understand that in this way, some women gain money and income for their families that is often in large amounts. However, the act of prostitution buts women in danger and can even cause sexual abuse and harm, as women face this when selling sex to strangers. For these reasons, I believe that prostitution should not be legal, or at least be monitored for the safety of women and their positive treatment. I believe that prostitution is just another way that enforces male superiority over women.
ReplyDelete- Kara(Poverty Group)
I believe that if a women wants to "prostitute" herself she should have the right to. But that is a different topic in a way because it is against the law for anyone to prostitute themselves. So as for my opinion I do think that women should have the right to choose that lifestyle, but it shouldn't be legal. Which in a way is how it is now. Any one can choose to do what they want BUT they must pay the consequences if you are breaking the law.
ReplyDelete- Elysha